10 great analogue-style EQ VST plug-ins

Vintage hardware reborn

Modern ‘digital’ EQ plug-ins tend to be far more flexible than their analogue hardware forerunners, which usually means more bands capable of narrower Q settings, and lots more gain.

However, what these designs tend to lack is analogue character, and in certain situations, too much flexibility can be a hindrance rather than a help.

Heading for analogue-inspired EQ plug-ins is certainly an option, then and you’ll find there are plenty to choose from. We’re looking at ten of them here, and they’re all available for PC and Mac in AU, VST and RTAS formats, though the first couple are UAD-2 exclusives.

For a comprehensive guide to analogue-style EQ plug-ins, check out the September issue of Computer Music (CM168) which is on sale now.

NEXT: Universal Audio Harrison 32C

Universal Audio Harrison 32C

Emulates the distinctive 4-band EQ from Bruce Swedien’s very own hit-making Harrison 4032C desk. Note that it requires a UAD‑2 card to run.

Read Universal Audio Harrison 32C review

Universal Audio Manley Massive Passive

Manley’s hardware tube mastering EQ is a triumph of engineering. Emulating it takes oodles of DSP - a UAD 2 Solo runs just one stereo instance.

Read Universal Audio Manley Massive Passive review

Softube Passive-Active Pack

Softube’s three-pack provides individual EQs that emulate the Neumann PEV 930 passive and Filtek Labo Mk5 active EQs, with the third plug-in combining both.

Read Softube Passive-Active Pack review

Softube Trident A-Range

Based on one of the big desk EQs of the ‘70s and created with help from original designer Malcolm Toft, emulations don’t get much closer than this.

Read Softube Trident A-Range review

IK Multimedia Vintage Tube Program Equalizer

The Pultec EQP-1A is probably the most copied EQ of all time, and this emulation is not only sonically on the money but works in M/S mode too.

Find out more about IK Multimedia Vintage Tube Program Equalizer

Waves SSL G-Equalizer

SSL’s G EQ is a powerful EQ that’s contributed to the sound of countless major releases. It’s part of its SSL 4000 package, which the price reflects.

Find out more about Waves SSL G-Equalizer

PSP Audioware sQuad

Six plug-ins now make up this hardware influenced EQ bundle, and with inspirations coming from Neve, AMEK and MCI, it’s not just run of the mill.

Read PSP Audioware sQuad review

Abbey Road Plug Ins Brilliance Pack

The pack includes three variations of Abbey Road’s bespoke treble-enhancing EQ boxes - rare hardware that few of us will ever have the opportunity to use.

Read Abbey Road Plug Ins Brilliance Pack review

Sound Performance Labs EQ Rangers

SPL’s three-pack of passive EQs are software versions of their own hardware. Two of the three plug-ins, Bass and Vox Ranger, are also application-specific.

Read Sound Performance Labs EQ Rangers review